Soft Coaster, Take 2.

This is what I came up with when I tried my hand at the Soft Coaster for a second time. This one is much less wonky (read: more round) but I still have my issues with it. For one, it curls up on the edges. I'm sure this has something to do with my gauge (which I'll learn to check as I go along at some point). I used a 3.75 hook (though the pattern calls for a 4.00) and I still managed to get the coaster to be 4" in diameter, per the pattern. I think this works out because I tend to crochet larger stitches to make it easier for me to pass the hook through. You can also see that this coaster is missing the gaping holes the previous one had, which I'm proud of. I'd still like to try these again with proper yarn and a 4.00 hook and see what I come up with.

I came across one problem with this pattern, though it might just be me. The pattern gives you the number of stitches in each round. I did not manage to count that same amount of stitches in my coaster. Both round 3 & round 4 were 3 less stitches than I should have had. I'm not really sure how this happened, as I followed the directions precisely, and the coaster is the appropriate size. I wonder if my missing stitches are user error or pattern error. I also wonder if this is why my coaster curls up on the sides a bit. Sadly, I'll probably never know, as I can't seem to figure out where I would put those extra 3 stitches.

For now, I think I'll leave it be.

Next up: Flower Motif Applique

Soft Coasters

I purchased the Cozy Crochet Kit, which included this pattern, from Barnes and Noble a few years back for $23. I've attempted to find it online, in case you wanted to buy it, but for some reason people are trying to sell it for over $100. I even found one site which is charging over $200! I have no clue why, but don't buy it. It's so-called "simple instructions" are anything but, and it's barely worth the $23 I paid for it. If you want to learn to crochet, do yourself a favor and go buy a Crochet Magazine. Look in the back and make sure the edition you have has instructions for a Single Crochet and a Double Crochet (at the very least, it will get you started). That is what I did, and I wouldn't be crocheting today if I hadn't.

Now onto the soft coaster. This is what the coaster should look like (according the the picture which accompanied the pattern.)

This is a skill level 1 pattern.
Stitches and techniques used

Chain, double crochet, slip stitch

Increasing

Working in the round

Materials

Elmore-Pisgah's Peaches & Creme (worsted weight; 100% cotton; each approx 2 1/2 oz/71 g and 122 yd/112m), Williamsburg Blue #24 and Chocolate #121; 2 balls will make 4 coasters.

Crochet hook, size G/6 (4.00 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge

In pattern, Rounds 1 and 2 measure 2" in diameter.

Note

Each DC and ch-3 counts as 1 stitch.

Finished size
Approx 4" in diameter


Pattern

Ch 4.

Rnd 1 (RS): 11 dc into fourth ch from hook. Join with slip st to top of ch-3 (12 sts.)


Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc into same st as slip st, *2 dc into next dc. Repeat from * around, ending row with slip st to top of ch-3 (24 sts.)

Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc into same st ans alip st, *dc into next dc, 2 dc into each of next dc, dc into next dc, 2 dc into next dc. Repeat from * around, ending rnd with dc into next dc, 2 dc into each of the next 2 dc. Slip st to top of ch-3 (39 dc)

Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc into same st as slip st, *dc into next dc, 2 dc into next dc. Repeat from * around. Join with slip st to ch-3 (59 sts). Fasten off.

If you're confused, you're not alone. If I figure it out, you'll be the first to know! For the record, I won't be using the suggested yarn or the suggested crochet hook, because I have neither. Instead I'll be attempting it first with my blue practice yarn and either my 3.75 or my 5.00 hook (as that's the closest I have to 4.00). It looks like I might be going hook shopping this weekend!

Wish me luck!